Inquest Reveals Safety Failures in Speedboat Death

The inquest into the tragic death of 15-year-old Emily Lewis, who died after a speedboat crash in Southampton Water, has revealed serious safety failures by the boating company Seadogz and its skipper, Michael Lawrence. Investigators highlighted that the rigid inflatable boat (RIB) had been involved in three previous accidents, yet it lacked a proper safety management system or adequate risk assessments. Emily sustained catastrophic chest injuries when the RIB collided with a navigation buoy while traveling at approximately 42 mph; the skipper failed to see the buoy despite having 14 seconds of visibility prior to the crash. Testimonies noted that the seating arrangement on the boat was unsafe, preventing Emily and her family from bracing themselves adequately. The coroner plans to call for a review of regulations governing high-speed thrill rides in light of these findings, emphasizing the need for stricter safety protocols. The Lewis family expressed their devastation over Emily's death, stating they will never see her grow up.